Searching for a pet online? It’s crucial to be vigilant about potential scam artists lurking on the web, ready to exploit your quest for a furry friend. Each day, countless individuals fall prey to deceptive breeders. So, how can you guard against such fraud? Here are some effective vetting strategies for online breeders:
1. Leverage Google Image Search
Please note: This strategy may not be effective with AI-generated images.
Conduct a reverse image search of the photograph provided by the seller or featured on their website. If the same image appears on numerous sites, it’s a possible scam. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to images.google.com.
- Click on the Camera icon adjacent to the search bar.
- Paste the image link or upload the image.
- Review the search results meticulously.
2. Conduct a Domain Lookup
A domain lookup can reveal potentially concerning information about the breeder’s website, assisting in spotting red flags. Here’s how:
- Visit https://whois.domaintools.com/.
- Enter the website domain name (e.g., “pupcertified.com”) and hit search.
- Evaluate the displayed information, specifically the domain owner’s address.
3. Use Pet-Scam Search Tools
Several websites offer pet scam search tools. These allow you to check if the breeder’s website, phone number, or email address has been associated with scams in the past. Here are some of these tools:
- Pupcertified: Input your information into the breeder search tool to see if it appears on any scam lists.
- Petscams.com: Enter your information on the main screen to check for its presence on scam lists.
- Google.com: Conduct a Google search using the domain name to check if it has appeared on any scam alert sites.
4. Refer to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB is a valuable resource to identify scams and gather relevant information about potential breeders. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to bbb.org.
- Input the website link or company name into the search bar and select the breeder’s indicated country.
- Review any relevant information, scams, or reviews displayed for the breeder.
5. Check Personal Information
You can also use any available information from the breeder to conduct a background check. This can provide significant insight into potential scams:
- Phone Number: Look up the provided contact number on 411.com. Ensure the area code matches the service’s advertised region. If the search returns a VOIP phone (internet-based, virtual phone), it’s worth noting that scammers often use such devices.
- Address: Use Google Street View to gauge whether the property could plausibly be used for breeding. For instance, a breeder advertising 20 dogs from a small townhouse is likely not legitimate. You can also reverse search the address to see what else is associated with it, and check if it matches the contact phone number.
